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Hibiscus Cooler

Ruby red with a bright sour flavor reminiscent of rose hips (think Red Zinger tea), hibiscus flowers or Jamaica as it is known in Mexico, this is a refreshing and beautiful drink to brew up in the hot months. It is, in fact, filled to the brim with vitamin C and is believed to have diuretic properties to boot. Serve it on ice with a shot of Simple Syrup to sweeten.

Cook to Cook: According to our friend, Mexican chef Pati Jinich of PBS’s Pati’s Mexican Table, the hibiscus flowers need to be simmered, not just steeped like tea. The flowers have not been processed like tea, so they need some additional encouragement to release their full flavor.

Holds in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days.

Ingredients

1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers

Simple Syrup, or other liquid sweetener such as stevia or agave, as desired

Instructions

1. Combine the hibiscus flowers with 1 quart of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 15 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat, cool and strain. Dilute with another 3 to 4 cups of water, then add simple syrup to taste. Serve in glasses filled with ice.

Lynne Rossetto Kasper has won numerous awards as host of The Splendid Table, including two James Beard Foundation Awards (1998, 2008) for Best National Radio Show on Food, five Clarion Awards (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014) from Women in Communication, and a Gracie Allen Award in 2000 for Best Syndicated Talk Show.

Sally Swift is the managing producer and co-creator of The Splendid Table. Before developing the show, she worked in film, video and television, including stints at Twin Cities Public Television, Paisley Park, and Comic Relief with Billy Crystal. She also survived a stint as segment producer on The Jenny Jones Show.

It may surprise you to find that there is no actual pineapple in a pineapple bun. Instead, the pastry was named for its similar appearance to a pineapple's exterior. And they can be filled with just about anything.